Carlin Isles put in a virtuoso display for Samurai at the opening round of the GB7s at Saracens' Allianz Park

Carlin Isles put in a scorching display to help reigning champions Samurai take the opening round honours in this year’s GB7s series at Allianz Park.

The US sevens and Glasgow star, considered to be the fastest man in rugby, ran in six tries during Friday’s first leg to give the invitation side a winning start.

Two of those came in the final as Samurai beat surprise package Scottish Thistles 21-0, Frenchman Anthony Poujol adding the other, to take maximum points going into the second round in Edinburgh’s Meggetland on Saturday.

The Scottish side, led by Edinburgh Accies powerhouse Nyle Godsmark, won all three of their pool games and then edged out England IPF 19-12 in a scintillating semi-final clash.

Winning coach Mike Friday said: “It’s just the first leg but I’m pleased how our boys came together. There were seven nations out there and we had to go through some dark times in the group matches before coming out the other side.

“It was a good final against a Thistles team who have been fantastic – a really strong side who were well balanced and played really good sevens.

“It was a fantastic tournament with good sides throughout – you cannot afford to take your eye off it because you will get knocked over.

“I expect Scotland to be far harder for us because we will have to bring in new boys in true invitation fashion.”

Share article

England IPF coach Simon Amor saw his development outfit finish third on their GB7s debut with Wailers completing the top four.

Five tries from Sami Raloka helped the British Army, the other new outfit this season, win the plate final to secure fifth spot edging out Crawshays Welsh who had the day’s only hat-trick hero in Carmarthen Quins’ Gavin Thomas.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standardards Organisations's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a compaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here